Spinal cord stimulation trial can control pain caused by chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia experience long-duration pain during ulcer treatment. Hence, painkillers are gradually increased, but adverse events often occur. Spinal cord stimulation trial is one of the methods used to manage such pain.

METHOD

The study was performed at the Limb Salvage Center in Kasukabe Chuo General Hospital. Total 41 patients with mean age 70.4 ± 9.58 years underwent spinal cord stimulation trial for 2 weeks. Among them, 33 (80 %) were male, and 8 (20 %) were female. Numerical rating scores, wound results, spinal cord stimulation-related adverse events, and total dose of oral painkillers were evaluated.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, itching and bleeding were reported. The numerical rating scores improved from 7/10 before to 2/10 at 2 days after the spinal cord stimulation ( 0.001). The total doses of oral painkillers showed no change before and after spinal cord stimulation ( 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal cord stimulation is recommended for peripheral artery disease because it can improve numerical rating scores for a short term. Therefore, this trial approach can sufficiently control pain against chronic limb-threatening ischemia, without undergoing implantation.